TED Radio Hour

Shaka Senghor, an author and activist who turned his life around after 19 years in prison, shares insights on resilience and conflict resolution. Alongside him, Ebony Roberts discusses their innovative co-parenting approach after separation, highlighting effective communication and friendship over traditional expectations. Zoologist Lucy King introduces her creative beehive solution for human-elephant conflicts in Kenya, while Jad Abumrad delves into the power of storytelling, advocating for empathy and understanding in bridging diverse perspectives.

Saleem Reshamwala, a journalist and filmmaker known for his work on the podcast Far Flung, takes listeners on a cultural adventure. He explores the vibrant Afro bubblegum movement in Nairobi, celebrating joy and challenging stereotypes. The discussion also covers language preservation through the lens of Peruvian hip-hop and reveals astonishing dinosaur discoveries in New Jersey. Saleem emphasizes how travel and storytelling can transform perspectives, inviting everyone to connect with diverse cultures and histories from afar.

Shari Davis, a community organizer known for her work in participatory budgeting, and Eli Pariser, a researcher who coined the term 'filter bubble,' dive into the importance of creating inclusive public spaces. They discuss how participatory budgeting empowers communities to shape their environments and fosters trust among residents. Pariser highlights the need for intentional design in digital spaces to combat isolation and enhance public discourse. Together, they emphasize the role of both physical and online spaces in cultivating community connections.

Join artist and activist Emily Quinn as they share insights into their intersex identity, challenging societal norms. Radio journalist Molly Webster dives into the complexities of biological sex, urging listeners to reconsider simplistic definitions. Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi discusses the intricate links between hormones, the brain, and women's health. Lastly, structural biologist Karissa Sanbonmatsu explores how epigenetics might influence biological sex and gender identity. Together, they unravel the multifaceted nature of sex beyond the binary.

This conversation features Michael Murphy, an architect dedicated to creating healing spaces, and David Byrne, the innovative musician known for blending music with the spatial experience. Es Devlin, renowned for her artistic installations, and architect Siamak Hariri, who designed the Baháʼí Temple, join in to discuss how environments shape creativity and connection. They explore the emotional journey spaces can inspire, from intimate performance venues to sacred structures, emphasizing the transformative power of architecture on our lives.

Dive into the mysteries of the universe, from the cataclysmic birth of stars to the emergence of life on Earth. Discover how elements crucial for existence come from supernovae, linking us to the cosmos. Explore extreme microbial life that thrives in harsh conditions, aiding our battle against climate change. Listen as innovative submersibles unlock the secrets of the deep sea, and learn how neuroscience can unveil the complexities of behavior. Embrace curiosity and the wonders of the natural world through captivating insights!

Marine biologist Asha de Vos explores the unexpected importance of whale poop in ocean ecosystems, while Ayana Elizabeth Johnson emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable seafood practices. Alasdair Harris shares his community-driven conservation successes in Madagascar, highlighting challenges and innovative solutions for local fisheries. Legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle reflects on her pioneering adventures and the vital role of collective action in ocean conservation. Together, they inspire listeners to take immediate steps towards protecting our precious seas.

Kelsey Leonard, a water policy expert and Shinnecock Nation member, shares the urgent need for equitable water rights. LaToya Ruby Frazier, a visual artist, documents environmental injustices affecting vulnerable families, illustrating the human impact of the Flint water crisis. Colette Pichon Battle emphasizes resilience in Southern Louisiana's communities while advocating for legal personhood for water. The discussion highlights the deep connection between identity and water, urging listeners to rethink their relationship with this vital resource.

Catherine Mohr, an engineer and surgeon, recounts a thrilling diving experience in the Galapagos that highlights the ocean's beauty and the complexities of human relationships. Mara Hart, a marine biologist, shares fascinating insights about the curious reproductive habits of clownfish and lobsters, showcasing the need for ocean conservation. Mandë Holford, a venom scientist, discusses the ecological role of parrotfish and the potential medical breakthroughs from cone snail venoms, emphasizing the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems.

Jon M. Chu, acclaimed director of 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights,' dives into his journey in Hollywood. He discusses his early passion for storytelling influenced by his immigrant family's experiences. Jon reflects on the importance of Asian American representation in film and how 'Crazy Rich Asians' changed the narrative landscape. He also shares insights from 'In the Heights,' emphasizing the need for authenticity in bridging cultural divides. Join him as he explores identity, resilience, and the power of cinema to inspire empathy.